Charles Dutton went from prison to Hollywood

February 14, 2013

TV, film and stage actor Charles Dutton, right, stars in "From Yale to Jail: Serving Time on Stage," an autobiographical tale of how the Emmy winner found his passion for theater while serving time in a Baltimore prison, earned a master's degree from the prestigious Yale School of Drama and carved out a successful acting career.

Why go: Although Dutton can boast a diverse acting resume — a hit sitcom in the '90s, roles in plays and films and directing — his real life is a great storyline.

Reconsider: You thought Dutton already played himself in his role as "Roc" (Dutton's nickname when he was an amateur boxer).